Latest Features

“The Bountiful Ocean” are words used by poets, artists, early mariners, fisher folk and even scientists once upon a time. We have all romanticized about what the ocean has to offer – those unseen riches, poised to take our carefully prepared bait, smash our surface plug or get snagged in our nets. Advancements in fisheries science have highlighted the fact that we are often under misconceptions about what we catch and how many there are out there.

Irish angling journalist Ashley Hayden shares the concerns of many regarding the levels of current fish stocks. In this feature he examines the politics surrounding the European bass and how it will require painful measures to be implemented across all areas of the catching sector if this popular species is to maintain viable levels in the future.

For the past few years the Pizza Jacques gang from France have visited the top charter port of Weymouth to take part in various fishing competitons. This year saw them fish the Weymouth International Boat Angling Challenge organised by Weymouth Angling Centre and what follows is former World Champion Francis Couzinet's story of the week long event.

As a driver of a desk from Monday to Friday a day at sea can often stretch muscles I rarely use. As I sit and write this my back and shoulders are stiffening to an extent that tells me yesterday was a truly remarkable day's sport! So here's how a terrific day afloat unfolded.

125 competitors from 14 countries visited Weymouth in Dorset during the week beginning 15 September to fish the EFSA European Boat and Line Class Championships organised by the English Section. The majority of the anglers were based in the Riviera Hotel which provided the facilities for the event HQ. East to north east winds restricted the fishing but the competitors enjoyed some great sport over the five days.

'Bream and gurnards please but absolutely no pollack!', was the departing shot from my Mum as I headed out along the Devon coast enroute for Weymouth. The forecast was for the wind to freshen throughout the day but when I arrived there was no breeze at all and it looked to be a perfect day.

Two venues immediately opposite each other on the banks of the river Tay and beside the city of Dundee, Discovery Quay and Wormit Bay can provide great sport for the beginner as well as providing a productive venue for the match angler.